Letter: Start now to educate yourself and vote intelligently

Friday

Feb 7, 2014 at 12:01 AMFeb 7, 2014 at 12:37 AM

Another election year, time to think politicians. First, understand there is no conservative party – it’s a myth. Since the reign of F.D.R., we’ve now elected 12 administrations, six from each political party.

With one exception, all left office with the country in debt, and moderately high unemployment. The exception was Clinton’s group. On their exit, the treasury has a good surplus, and the lowest unemployment rate (3.9%) in decades.

We now labor under the negative results of the ensuing conservative administration. Its gift is an ungodly debt, a threat of financial collapse and a high unemployment rate.

The current administration will not fare much better. Its effort to right our “ship of state” has been blunted by a negative minded ultra conservative Congress. Recovery, I believe, will happen without political help because we’re a very resilient society.

As you consider the upcoming slate of candidates, do not believe any claiming conservatism. Make them prove it. Challenge all candidates to provide clear answers on their plan to help solve fiscal challenges. Will they raise taxes if it proves necessary? Will they take required actions to ensure Social Security and Medicare? If they do not offer credible replies, ignore them. They’ll only add to problems.

Do some homework, check qualifications. Start now to educate yourself and be ready to vote intelligently. If you vote straight ticket, you get the chaff with the wheat – a foolish move in this decade. We must have Congress persons who are intelligent, ethical, and moral – men and women willing to settle philosophical differences through compromise – not insane demonic threats.